Miscellaneous: Judge Hiram Wright, 1984, Winn Parish, LA Submitted by Greggory E. Davies, 120 Ted Price Lane, Winnfield, LA 71483 ********************************************** Copyright. All rights reserved. http://usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://usgwarchives.net/la/lafiles.htm ********************************************** From: July 25, 1984 Winn Parish Enterprise News-American Judge Sees Many Changes In 36 Year Career A great love for law has kept Judge Hiram Wright active in the law profession for over 36 years. But now it's time for him to retire. According to Judge Wright, "I've just been around too long. The work load has increased so that I have little time for my family and recreation. I want to retire young enough to enjoy my life." The Judge says now he'll do a little fishing, some traveling, and maybe even practice a little law. His interest in law began early. Wright's father was a school superintendent but continually studied law. The Jonesville native moved to Baton Rouge with his family his senior year in high school. There he majored in government at Louisiana State University beginning in 1940. In 1943 his education was interrupted by a call to serve in the army. He was stationed in the States for a while, then was transferred to Normandy and soon became a lieutenant. While overseas he was captured and held at a prisoner of war camp in Poland. After several months the prisoners were moved because the Russians were moving in. Wright said one night the troops camped in a barn at an old Polish mansion. Wright and a friend learned the guards were going to let prisoners too sick to walk stay behind with some guards. By the next morning the Judge and his friend were "very ill". The prisoners convinced the guards that stayed behind that the Russians would kill them when they got there so the guards left and the prisoners occupied the Polish mansion. When the Russians arrived they tried to convince the prisoners they would help them. None believed them and some of the prisoners escaped at night. Wright and a friend roamed around for about a month, then went to Lublin, Poland. There they found an underground operation and broadcast their name, rank, and serial number. The Russians gathered up several men including Wright and took them to a British supply ship. They sailed to British controlled Port Sied, Egypt, then on to Naples, Italy. Here they joined American forces and were sent back to the United States. With this behind him, Wright entered LSU Law School and soon married Betty Poe who lived across the street from him in Baton Rouge. Wright wanted to live in north Louisiana, but didn't know where. He had heard about all the good lawyers and came here with a classmate and Winnfield native, Charles Beck. They opened the partnership Beck and Wright. After about six months Beck went back to the navy as an officer. Wright stayed and kept practicing law. In 1969 he was appointed city judge. At election time no one qualified, so Wright remained judge. In 1973 Wright ran unopposed for District Judge and has held that position for the past 11 years. When Wright first became District Judge, the district included Grant and Winn Parishes. In 1977 the district was changed to include only Winn Parish. Judge Wright says that things have changed over the years. "When I was practicing law we never knew what the other side was going to say. Now everybody knows what each witness is going to say. It takes all the fun out of it." When he became a judge, Wright missed practicing law, but enjoyed watching others. He said, "I enjoy watching good lawyers work. I've enjoyed the comradeship of lawyers over the years. I've enjoyed talking law and watching law." Wright sees himself as a very fair judge. "Everybody has a right to a fair trial. All of us are equal before the law. A judge's job is to see that all people that come before him in all cases get a fair trial. All I ever wanted for my clients was a fair shake and that's all I've tried to give as judge." Looking back over the years Judge Wright said, "I've always enjoyed living in Winnfield - I love Winnfield. It's been a great thrilling run. As I look back I just count my blessings."